Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

To the intelligent reader, here is ample scope for reflection, in a very short compass. Felt gratitude, warmly expressed, to the Earl of St. Vincent, for his kind and generous attentions; lofty eulogiums of his lordship's royal and illustrious friends on the conduct of the noble earl; severe mention of his friend Sir Sidney; complaint of ill health; firm attachment to the royal family at Palermo; fearful apprehensions for a beloved son-in-law, whom he had brought tenderly up with all the anticipatory hopes of the fondest paternal affection, and for whose future conduct he seems, by some untoward circumstances, to have been now filled with all a feeling father's anxieties and alarms; and, lastly, as the consequence of defeated expectations, a desponding willingness to relinquish even life, from an experienced conviction that it affords no permanent or perfect felicity.

On the 3d, his lordship received, through the Earl of St Vincent, the thanks of the House of Peers of Ireland, to himself, and the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, of the detached squadron under his command at the battle off the Nile, and immediately returned a respectful answer by the same channel. He also wrote the following true sailor's letter to the earl, respecting Malta.

"Palermo, Feb. 3, 1799.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"The Incendiary is just come from Ball, off Malta; and has brought me information, that the attempt to storm the city of Valette had failed, from--(I am afraid, I must call it)--cowardice. They were over the first ditch, and retired, _damn them_! But, I trust, the zeal, judgment, and bravery, of my friend Ball, and his gallant party, will overcome all difficulty. The cutter just going off prevents my being more particular. Ever your most faithful,

"Nelson."

"Naples is declared a republic, and the French flag flying. We are low in spirits, but all in this house love you."

His lordship should have considered, before he pronounced the above naval anathema against the Maltese, for pusillanimity, the wretched starving state of the poor fellows carcases; of this he could not be ignorant, since he had, this very day, written to Sir John Acton in their behalf. "If," says he, "six thousand salms of corn are not sent directly to Malta, the inhabitants are in that state of want, that the worst consequences for the interest of his Sicilian Majesty may be apprehended. All these poor people want is, that the king should give them six months credit; when they could make their payments, in money or cotton. The case is important, and demands instant compliance.

"The inhabitants have not seven days bread." He wrote, the day following, to his friend Captain Ball, and inclosed him a satisfactory answer just received from General Acton on the subject: adding--"This evening I saw the king; and he is exceedingly angry, to think that his faithful Maltese subjects should want for any comforts or necessaries which it is in his power to bestow." He addressed, at the same time, a seasonable letter to the deputies of the Maltese people; containing, also, a copy of General Acton's letter, with assurances of Captain Ball's protection, and his own determination to afford them every assistance in his power. In short, though his lordship execrated all appearances of cowardice, he compassionated every species of distress.

Lord Nelson, in a letter, dated the beginning of this month, addressed to Admiral then Commodore Duckworth, thus regrets the difficulty which he experiences, in consequence of having lost his right arm, with regard to writing--"I thank you, most truly, for your several very interesting letters, and beg that I may be favoured with your correspondence whenever opportunity offers. You will, I am sure, make allowance for a left-handed man; but, my inclination to write longer letters is great. I can get but slowly over the paper." This, added to the numerous avocations necessarily arising from so widely extended a command as that in which he was now engaged, will sufficiently account for any seeming neglect of continued correspondence with old friends; whom, however, he was not the man ever to forget. The truth of this observation more particularly manifests itself in the following letter written to that esteemed veteran, Captain Locker; who had sensibly felt the effect of this difficulty, though not the last to congratulate his honoured pupil on the success of his most splendid victory. This excellent letter has been repeatedly published, but it well merits to be again printed.

"Palermo, 9th Feb. 1799.

"MY DEAR FRIEND,

"I well know, your own goodness of heart will make all due
allowances for my present situation; in which, truly, I have not
the time, or power, to answer all the letters I receive, at the
moment. But you, my old friend, after twenty-seven years
acquaintance, know that nothing can alter my attachment and
gratitude to you. I have been your scholar. It was you who taught
me to board a Frenchman, by your conduct when in the Experiment. It
is you who always hold--"Lay a Frenchman close, and you will beat
him!" And my only merit in my profession is, being a good scholar.
Our friendship will never end, but with my life: but, you have
always been too partial to me.

"Pray tell Kingsmill, that it was impossible I could attend to his
recommendation. Indeed, I had, not being a commander in chief, no
power to name an agent. Remember me kindly to him.

"The Vesuvian republic being fixed, I have now to look out for
Sicily: but revolutionary principles are so prevalent in the world,
that no monarchical government is safe, or sure of lasting ten
years.

"I beg you will make my kindest remembrances to Miss Locker, and
all your good sons; and believe me, ever, your faithful and
affectionate friend,

"Nelson."

"Lieutenant-Governor Locker,
Royal Hospital, Greenwich."

As the Vesuvian republic had been now formed on the ruins of the Neapolitan monarchy, under the protection of the French, and was consequently at war with Great Britain, Lord Nelson gave directions for the property of all persons who had not left this new state to be seized as lawful prize. Application was again made to the emperor; a survey taken of the island, for the purpose of ascertaining it's strength and security; and every endeavour used to obtain, during the war, a truce with Tunis and Tripoli. The opinion of Lord Nelson, with regard to the safety of Sicily, is conveyed in the following letter to Sir John Acton, Bart, expressly on that subject.

"Palermo, Feb. 11, 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I have to thank your excellency for the honour of your letter; and
for sending, for my perusal, the report of various officers on the
situation of this island, and of it's means of defence. Respecting
an invasion of the French, _in propriâ personâ_, I own, I have no
alarms; for, if this island is true to itself, no harm can happen:
but, I own my fears, that revolutionary principles may be sown
here; and, the seasons being propitious to the growth, will produce
fruit. If the emperor will not move, and save--(himself, for his
throne must fall if the late measures of his councils are persisted
in)--the good King, Queen, and Family of Naples, in the possession
of their kingdoms; we may lament, but what must follow is certain.
Having thus openly declared my general opinion, it is perfectly
proper, no doubt, to be prepared for defence; and, if Calabria is
occupied by the French, the first object is the preservation of
Messina and the Torre del Faro. As to the other ports of the
island, if the inhabitants are loyal, the French may be defied;
they will not venture their carcases. But, indeed, my dear Sir, it
is on the fidelity of the islanders we must depend for it's
defence. When Captain Troubridge returns from Egypt, I shall have
the power of having more ships on the east coast: as to Palermo, it
shall never be without a proper defence in shipping from all
attacks by sea; that is, from what the French have at present in
the Mediterranean. In all other things, I beg that your excellency
will have the goodness to assure his Sicilian Majesty, that nothing
shall be wanting, on my part, for the defence of his kingdoms, and
whatever can administer to his comforts; and I beg your excellency
will believe with what great respect I am your most faithful and
obedient servant,

"Nelson."

The safety of Messina appearing to be the first object for the preservation of Sicily from the French, five hundred troops were immediately ordered thither by the Portuguese ships; and his lordship also urged his Excellency, the Vice-Admiral Theodore Uschakoff, who commanded the Russian fleet then before Corfu, to send as many ships and troops as possible to Messina, for the promotion of the common cause, and the good of his Sicilian Majesty in particular.

On the same day, February 15, his lordship wrote also to his Excellency Abdul Cadir Bek, Vice-Admiral of the Turkish fleet, likewise at Corfu, with a similar request for ships and troops. "Your excellency, without doubt," writes his lordship, "has heard of the melancholy news from Naples. The French, not content with having, by perfidy, declared Naples a republic, have forced a great part of Calabria to erect a Tree of _Terror_, which these unbelievers call of _Liberty_; and their emissaries are sowing the seeds of anarchy into this island, particularly at Messina." His lordship adds, that as he has several ships in Egypt, for the Grand Signior, he earnestly requests such Turkish ships and troops as can be spared, to prevent Messina's falling into the hands of the French.

On the 24th of February, Lord Nelson had the satisfaction to distribute the following sums of money, given by his Sicilian Majesty, among the several persons who assisted in conveying the Royal Family from Naples: one thousand ounces of silver to the officers, seamen, and marines, of his Britannic Majesty's ship the Vanguard, as a mark of the king's approbation of their conduct during the time he was on board; one hundred ounces to each of the two barges crews who brought off the royal family from the palace; one hundred ounces to the admiral's servants; and one hundred ounces to the barge's crew of the Alcmene. The thousand ounces for the several persons on board the Vanguard were thus apportioned, by his lordship's directions--The wardroom, one hundred ounces; twenty-seven gentlemen of the quarter-deck, and warrant-officers, four ounces each; five hundred and seventy-nine seamen and marines, one and one-third of an ounce each; twenty-six boys, half an ounce each; and a surplus of seven ounces, to be expended for general use.

While Lord Nelson was busily exerting himself for the security of Messina, as the key to the island of Sicily, the masters of English merchant vessels at Palermo were impatient for convoy, that they might convey their cargoes to Leghorn. On the hazard of visiting a place so critically situated, he felt it his duty strongly to remonstrate; and, aware how often danger is disregarded, where the loss is to fall on underwriters, he even suggested the impropriety of thus incurring risks which could not possibly be in the contemplation of the parties at the time of effecting the insurances, before he gave his reluctant consent for their departure.

This great man was indifferent to nothing by which either national or individual honour might be affected. A just sense of Lord Nelson's services, in this respect, has probably contributed, in no slight degree, to the extreme popularity of that most laudable institution for the relief of suffering seamen and marines, and their distressed families, so happily commenced and continued by the Committee at Lloyd's. Nor is, perhaps, the idea very chimerical, when we reflect on the magnitude of the contributions, which looks forward to a possible permanent establishment, at no distant day, on this very basis; in which the voluntary subscriptions of benevolent and opulent individuals shall almost vie, in the extent of it's charity to this meritorious class of society, whose services can alone preserve the united kingdom and it's extended commerce in full security, with the grand and munificent public endowment which so nobly adorns our country at Greenwich: to which, also, some national augmentation might, with much propriety, be at the same time made; not only to keep pace with the increase of our navy, but to afford an equally needful asylum for those deserving and greatly exposed auxiliaries, the unfortunate and superannuated Royal Marines. A sight of such noble institutions, with suitable pictures and statues of naval heroes and their glorious atchievements, in which Lord Nelson and his transcendent actions must for ever stand pre-eminently conspicuous, would far surpass, in genuine grandeur, perhaps, and certainly in rational and philosophical contemplation, the loftiest and most stupendous pillar or pyramid ever raised by human art and industry, for little other purpose than to attract the gaze of profitless admiration, with the vain attempt of mocking the powers of tempests and of time, by which the proudest of these trophied monuments must necessarily be bowed to subjection, and finally crumbled into dust. The solitary hermitage, which shelters a single hoary head, is more interesting to the feeling heart than the proudest display of barren pomp that neither rises over the tomb of departed worth nor affords any living mortal a comfortable habitation. The grand naval pillar, to commemorate the battle off the Nile, for which a large sum was some years since subscribed, without any previously decided plan, and which is said to be still undisposed of, if employed in erecting a respectable edifice for the residence of those brave veterans by whom that battle was fought, and such of their successors, for ever, as should live to find such a residence desirable, might be so constructed and endowed, with the money contributed, as to afford a higher satisfaction to the subscribers; a superior, and perpetually renewable, memorial of the event; and a far more gratifying object of contemplation, even for such of the brave heroes who may never need such a sanctuary; than the loftiest and most embellished obelisk that human ingenuity can ever devise, or human industry execute. This is a subject on which the author could with pleasure dilate; and the promotion of which he would gladly assist, in every way, with all his slender abilities: but, at present, it is an agreeable reverie, in which he feels that he must no longer indulge.

He will, however, transcribe one of Lord Nelson's letters written on the subject which led to this digression, as a satisfactory proof of his lordship's attention to the mercantile interests of his country in that respect, and at this particular period.

"Palermo, 25th Feb. 1799.

"GENTLEMEN,

"I have received your letter of the 23d. I can assure you, I have
always the greatest pleasure in paying attention to the
representations of the masters of merchant ships; who, at this
distance, act for their owners in Great Britain. I can have no
difficulty in granting you a convoy to Leghorn; but it is my duty
to again point out to you the expressions of Mr. Windham's several
letters, and the request of the English factory at Leghorn to
Captain Louis: and, at the same time, you must be sensible that an
English man of war cannot always lay in the neutral port; and I
expect, that the Minotaur is now on her passage to join me. If,
under all these circumstances, you still persist in going to
Leghorn, I will grant a convoy to that port as soon as possible.
You cannot, of course, expect that, when all the knowledge you
have, here, of the situation of Tuscany, is known in London, that
the underwriters, or myself, can in the smallest degree be
answerable for what may happen to your ships or cargoes. I can only
again assure you of my readiness to afford you all the protection
possible, compatible with the other important duties entrusted to
me; and that I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

"Nelson."

"To the Masters of the English Ships in the Port of Palermo."

To this it may be sufficient to add that, on their persisting in a desire to sail, he granted them the convoy; repeating, in another letter, "but still with the reservation for the underwriters and myself, as I think the case requires." He also wrote to Mr. Windham, informing that gentleman of the necessity which he had felt himself under to comply with their desire; and requesting him to acquaint Captain Derby, whom he sent on that service, in the Bellerophon, whether he might with safety leave them at Leghorn. If not, his lordship observed, the signal should be made for convoy; and those who chose to quit a place of danger might be brought back, with the comfort of having lost the present convoy for England. However, he adds, it is his duty, and it is his inclination too, to do every thing for the protection of our commerce consistently with the other important duties required of him. Captain Derby was directed, should circumstances require, to wait a reasonable time for such of the merchant ships as might have perishable cargoes on board, to enable them to dispose of them.

In the letter to Mr. Windham above quoted, his lordship says, alluding to the cruelties of the French, who were then over-running Italy--"Your excellency's account of the treatment of his Royal Highness the Grand Duke, of the King of Sardinia, and of the poor old Pope, makes my heart bleed; and I curse, in the bitterness of my grief, all those who might have prevented such cruelties!"

It will be recollected, that the venerable Pope Pius VI, who had been seized and carried off by the French, and whose fate Lord Nelson thus feelingly commiserates, as if anticipatory of the event, was at the period of being thus forced from Rome in his eighty-second year; and that his holiness expired, at Valence, on the 19th of August following, after a captivity of six months: his body being consumed, by unslacked lime thrown into the grave, to prevent it's receiving, at any future period, the honours which might be esteemed due to a modern martyr; who, perhaps, possessed equal piety and resignation, with many holy sufferers of ancient times, for a like rigid adherence to the Christian religion, who have been canonized by the Roman Catholic church.

On the last day of February, the 28th, Lord Nelson sent instructions to his friend Captain Ball, at Malta, to preside over the meetings of the Maltese people: their deputies having represented to Sir William Hamilton and his lordship, that he had, by his address, frequently united the jarring interests of the different chiefs, at their distracted councils, and that they were therefore desirous of his future assistance; which was, also, the wish of his Sicilian Majesty. Captain Ball, therefore, was vested with full power to leave his ship in charge of the first-lieutenant, directing him how to proceed, and to be on shore whenever he should deem it necessary, either to attend such meetings, or assist the Maltese army; his lordship observing that, though neither Sir William Hamilton nor himself had power to grant any salary for the extraordinary expences he must thus necessarily incur, it would be proper to keep an account of them, that it might be represented to his majesty's ministers in England, and the amount allowed him.

At the beginning of March, Lord Nelson was made a citizen of Palermo; which the court thought might have a good effect, by shewing the attachment of the English hero to the royal family. This, with other information, is more particularly mentioned in the following letter to Earl Spencer, which appears to have been written immediately on Captain Nisbet's return from Constantinople with La Bonne Citoyenne, bringing several important dispatches.

"Vanguard, Palermo,
6th March 1799.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"I send you a copy of the Turkish admiral's letter to me, from
Corfu; also, one from the Emperor of Russia: and one from Sir
Sidney Smith, those parts of which, that are ministerial, are--I
doubt not--very proper; but, indeed, my dear lord, those parts of
Sir Sidney's letter which, as a captain of a man of war to an
admiral commanding the squadron in the Levant, are not so
respectful as the rules of our service demands from the different
ranks in it. No man admires Sir Sidney's gallantry and zeal more
than myself; but he should recollect, how I must feel, on seeing
him placed in the situation which I thought naturally would fall to
me. You may be assured, that I shall take care and arrange proper
plans with the Porte for the service of Egypt, and shall support
Sir Sidney to the utmost of my power. It is matter of regret, that
no squadron of Turks and Russians are yet gone to Egypt; for, I
want all our ships for Malta, Sicily, Naples, and Leghorn: and my
only wish is, that the Turks and Russians would take care of all
the French to the east of Malta. Our situation here is quiet; but
who can say, if the French get into our neighbourhood, that we
shall remain so? In Calabria, the people have cut down the Tree of
Liberty; but I shall never consider any part of the kingdom of
Naples safe, or even Sicily, till I hear of the emperor's entering
Italy: when all my ships shall go into the Bay of Naples, and I
think we can make a revolution against the French; at least, my
endeavours shall not be wanting. I hope to go on the service
myself, but I have my doubts if the King and Queen will consent to
my leaving them for a moment. A few days past, I was presented, in
due form, with the freedom of the city of Palermo in a gold box,
and brought upon a silver salver. I have endeavoured so to conduct
myself, as to meet the approbation of all classes in this country,
and I hope to be equally fortunate in meeting your lordship's. A
ship is in sight, from Malta. I shall keep this letter open till
her arrival; but I do not expect any thing particularly good. The
blockade must continue, to the end of the chapter; for neither
Maltese, nor Italians, will fight by themselves. Ever your
lordship's faithful, and obedient,

"Nelson.

"P.S. I send your lordship copies of Captain Ball's letters from
Malta. It is not for me to judge the propriety of Captain Ball's
plans; but, I can assure you, he is a man of great judgment and
abilities, and ought to have a recompence for all his expence and
trouble."

The letters of Captain Ball principally related to taking men into British pay; those of the Turkish and Russian admirals, from Corfu, were highly satisfactory, giving assurances of all possible assistance; and that from the Emperor Paul of Russia, congratulatory of the glorious victory of the Nile, was in the highest degree flattering, and accompanied by the emperor's picture, in a box magnificently set with diamonds. His lordship, however, learned that Corfu, though daily expected to fall, had not yet surrendered; and that Le Genereux unfortunately escaped the vigilance of the blockading squadrons, on the 5th of February. From Constantinople, he received the agreeable information that the Grand Signior had ordered ten thousand Albanese troops to Sicily; but Sir Sidney Smith's letters, luckily blending his naval and ministerial characters, so outraged Lord Nelson's nice sense of propriety, that it renewed all those keen sensations of inquietude which had been so recently tranquilized in our hero's breast.

This circumstance produced the following letter to Sir Sidney Smith; which serves to shew that his lordship, though displeased on the occasion, was not altogether unjust in requiring better future discrimination.

"Vanguard, Palermo,
8th March 1799.

"SIR,

"I have received your letters of January the 23d, February 6th,
10th, and 23d. Your situation as Joint-Minister at the Porte, makes
it absolutely necessary that I should know who writes to me:
therefore, I must direct you, whenever you have ministerial affairs
to communicate, that it is done jointly with your respectable
brother, and not mix naval business with the other; for, what may
be very proper language for a representative of majesty, may be
very subversive of that dicipline of respect from the different
ranks in our service. A representative may dictate to an admiral, a
captain of a man of war would be censured for the same thing:
therefore, you will see the propriety of my steering close between
the two situations. I have sent you my orders, which your abilities
as a sea-officer will lead you to punctually execute. Not a ship
more than the service requires shall be kept on any particular
station; and that number must be left to my judgment, as an admiral
commanding the squadron detached by the commander in chief to the
extent of the Black Sea. I shall, of course, keep up a proper
communication with the Turkish and Russian admirals, which net
captain of a man of war under my orders must, interfere in. I am,
Sir, your very humble servant,

"Nelson."

"Sir William Sidney Smith."

The above epistle, which was accompanied by a regular order, dated the preceding day, for Sir William Sidney Smith, captain of his majesty's ship Le Tigre, to put himself under Lord Nelson's command may certainly be considered as sufficiently severe; and, it is probable, his lordship was of that opinion: but he judged it necessary, for his own comfort thus plainly to deliver his sentiments, however painful the task, that he might escape any repetitions of what must continue to excite unpleasant feelings.

On this day, too, Lord Nelson wrote to Captain Ball, from whom he had received letters which gave hopes of a speedy termination to his long and arduous labours. The deputies lately arrived from Malta had solicited supplies of arms, ammunition, and money, from his Sicilian Majesty; and their application, it will appear, had not proved in vain. Money, cloathing, &c. Lord Nelson informs Captain Ball, are difficult to be got; however, some will be sent. "You will," he adds, "receive seven thousand ounces, which the king confides in you to dispose of to the best advantage. Whenever the French are driven out, you are certainly fitted for the station of chief, and I should suppose his Sicilian Majesty could have no objection to give you the proper appointments. You are sure, I shall do every thing that is in my power, for your honour and benefit. Having said this, I will finish, for I am tired to death with writing." His lordship, however, does not conclude without observing that he trusts to nothing but his blockade for the reduction of Malta; that there is yet no news of the emperor's movements, but move he must; that all the lower order of the kingdom of Naples are ready to take arms against the French; that ten thousand Albanese are near Messina; and that ten thousand Russians are on that side Constantinople, for the same destination, besides the Russian army passing the Tyrol. "Apropos," he at length concludes, "the Emperor of Russia has sent me his picture, in a magnificent box; but, this shall not prevent my keeping a sharp look out on his movements against the good Turk."

Part of the money mentioned in this letter, as well as of the arms, ammunition, &c. requested by the deputies, and three of the deputies themselves, were conveyed, in La Bonne Citoyenne, by Captain Nisbet, to Malta, in his return to Constantinople; who was charged with dispatches for Sir Sidney Smith, Spencer Smith, Esq. his brother, and his Excellency Constantine Upsilanti, at the Ottoman court. The remainder of the arms, ammunition, stores, and money, with the other three deputies, were sent to Malta by Captain Gage in the Terpsichore: who was afterwards to deliver a letter from Lord Nelson to his Sardinian Majesty, at Cagliari in Sardinia; to call at Minorca, for any dispatches which Commodore Duckworth might have for the Earl of St. Vincent; and, finally, to join the commander in chief at Gibraltar, or wherever else the earl might happen to be.

On the 10th of March, General Sir Charles Stuart arrived at Palermo, with the thirtieth and eighty-ninth regiments; who immediately departed for Messina. This, his lordship observes, in a letter to Mr. Windham, a few days afterwards, would not only save that important place from all danger, but had already acted like an electrical shock over the whole island, and must extend it's influence to Naples.

With abundant address, at this period, Lord Nelson offered himself as a mediator between the Bey of Tunis and Bashaw of Tripoli, and his Sicilian Majesty and the Queen of Portugal: for which purpose, he wrote to Perkin Magra, Esq. the British consul at Tunis, as well as to the bey himself; and to the Bashaw of Tripoli, as well as to Simon Lucas, Esq. Consul-General at that court Mrs. Magra, and her family, it appears, were then residing in the hospitable mansion of Sir William Hamilton, as well as his lordship; for he says, writing to the consul, and mentioning his lady and family, "they will give you all the chit-chat of the place. Lady Hamilton is so good to them, that they in truth require nothing from me; but, whenever they think it right to go to Tunis, a ship of war shall carry them."

On the 17th, Captain Troubridge and Captain Hood arrived with the squadron from Egypt, where every endeavour to destroy the transports at Alexandria proved quite ineffectual. The French had, after the departure of Lord Nelson, very strongly fortified all the points of the harbour; and the transports could not be destroyed by shells, as all the mortars burst, and six fireships were lost in a gale of wind. This was a mortifying circumstance to our hero, and it did not come unaccompanied. Captain Troubridge was the bearer of Sir Sidney Smith's dispatches; which, with their usual fatality, again offended his lordship in one of the nicest points. The cause, and the effect, will at once be seen in the following most peremptory epistle.

"Vanguard, Palermo,
18th March 1799.

"SIR,

Captain Troubridge arrived here last evening: and, as he has
delivered to me all the papers he received from you, amongst which
I see a form of a passport; and Captain Troubridge tells me, that
it was your intention to send into Alexandria, that all French
ships might pass to France--now, as this is _in direct opposition
to my opinion_; which is, _never to suffer any one individual
Frenchman to quit Egypt_; I must, therefore, _strictly charge and
command you_, never to give any French ship, or man, leave to quit
Egypt. And I must also desire, that you will oppose, by every means
in your power, any permission which may be attempted to be given by
any foreigner, admiral, general, or other person; and you will
acquaint those persons, that I shall not pay the smallest attention
to any such passport after your notification: and you are to put my
orders in force, not on any pretence to permit a single Frenchman
to leave Egypt. Of course, you will give these orders to all the
ships under your command. As I am very, anxious for the return of
the Emma polacre, I have to request that you will not detain her
more than two hours. As I shall hope to have a constant
communication with you, through the means of the Turkish or Russian
admirals, all letters for your squadron, I shall direct to be left
in the Vanguard.

"I am, Sir, your very humble servant,

"Nelson."

"Sir William Sidney Smith,
Captain of his Majesty's ship Le Tigre."

Not even the judicious plan which his lordship was now busily engaged in arranging for the recovery of Naples, with all the other objects of his incessant care, could divert his attention from that grand object, the entire destruction of the French armament sent to Egypt. He had just received information of the, surrender of Corfu; and, about this time, a very elegant and flattering letter had been written to his lordship by the King of Sardinia, full of gratitude for the protection of the British flag in conveying him from Leghorn. In writing to the Earl of St. Vincent, after mentioning these subjects, with the return of Captain Troubridge's squadron from Egypt, he observes that it is his intention to send a small squadron, under that commander, into the Bay of Naples, "I wish, first," says his lordship, "to take the Island of Procida, which will secure a tolerable anchorage, and effectually blockade Naples. It must, also, have the effect of preventing the French from detaching any troops from Naples to to the provinces, who are all loyal. The court tells me, that twelve thousand Russians, and fifteen thousand Turks, are ready to cross the Adriatic, to land in the kingdom of Naples. If so, our squadron will create a powerful diversion." Having stated the reasons which have been seen for Captain Troubridge's failure at Alexandria, he adverts to Sir Sidney, who has now the blockade of that place. "I send you," says his lordship, "copies of my letters to him; for the victory of the Nile would, in my opinion, be useless, if any ship, or Frenchman, is suffered to return to Europe. I hope you will approve of my conduct; for, as a captain to an admiral, either Sir Sidney Smith, or myself, must give way. Bonaparte is at Cairo, not more than sixteen thousand strong. He must and will fall, sooner or later, if Sir Sidney Smith does not allow him to retreat by sea. As to myself, I am, at times, ill at my ease: but, it is my duty to submit; and, you may be sure, I shall not quit my post, without absolute necessity. If the emperor moves, I hope yet to return the royal family to Naples. At present, I cannot move; would the court but let me, I should be better: for, here, I am writing from morn to eve; therefore, you must excuse this jumble of a letter."

Neither of these letters, however, mention the very important circumstance of Captain Troubridge's having intercepted Bonaparte's dispatches, on his way to Constantinople; which is contained in the following communication to his Excellency the Honourable William Windham, for the purpose of having that satisfactory intelligence transmitted to England. This letter, as well as other dispatches of the 21st, to Mr. Windham, was written on board the Culloden; into which ship Lord Nelson had shifted his flag, having that day sent Captain Hardy to Tripoli with the Vanguard.

"Culloden, Palermo,
22d March 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

The ambassador of Bonaparte being intercepted by my friend
Troubridge, on his way to Constantinople, among other articles of
his instructions, is a very important one; viz. an offer to enter
on terms for his quitting Egypt, with his army. This offer is what
I have long expected the glorious battle of the Nile would produce;
but it was my determination, from that moment, never, if I could
help it, to permit a single Frenchman to quit Egypt. Captain Sir
William Sidney Smith, who has the present command of the squadron
off Alexandria, I have reason to believe, thinks differently from
me, and will grant passports for that part of the French army which
God Almighty permits to remain. I have, therefore, thought it
highly proper to send Captain Sir Sidney Smith the order of which
I transmit a copy; for, I consider it nothing short of madness, to
permit that band of thieves to return to Europe. _No!_ to Egypt
they went, with their own consent: and there they shall remain,
whilst Nelson commands this detached squadron; for never, never,
will he consent to the return of one ship or Frenchman.

"I beg your excellency will take the earliest opportunity of
sending this important information, and a copy of my letter to
Captain Sir Sidney Smith, to England; and ever believe me, with the
greatest respect, your obliged and faithful servant,

"Nelson."

On the 25th of March, Lord Nelson says, in a letter to Captain Ball, dated at Palermo--"Now, my dear friend, Captain Nisbet is appointed to the Thalia, a very fine frigate, and I wish he may do credit to himself, and in her. Will you do me the favour of keeping her, and sending me La Minerve; for I want Cockburne, for service of _head_. As soon as Captain Barker's surveys, &c. are over, make one of the small craft bring him here. I have sent Vanguard to Tripoli, to scold the bashaw. Tunis behaves well. As Corfu has surrendered, I hope Malta will follow the example very soon. I am not well; but keep rubbing on, from day to day. God bless you; finish the business as soon as you can."

Captain Dunn, in the Thalia, for Captain Nisbet, was the bearer of the above letter with other dispatches to Captain Ball; and Captain Maling took his passage in the Thalia, to supercede Captain Nisbet in La Bonne Citoyenne. Captain Dunn went to supercede Captain Barker in the Incendiary; on his appointment to the Barfleur; and he was required to join Lord Nelson by the very first opportunity, being wanted to go down the Mediterranean.

This day, too, his lordship wrote congratulatory letters to the Russian and Turkish admirals, on the surrender of Corfu; and invited them, respectively, to co-operate with him in placing the good King and Queen of Naples again on their throne in the capital of that kingdom. To Speridion Foresti, Esq. the consul at Corfu, Lord Nelson wrote, also, the following very flattering encomiums, in a letter which contains some additional reasons for his lordship's complaint with regard to Sir Sidney Smith.

"Palermo, 26th March 1799.

"SIR,

"I feel myself very much obliged by your interesting and important
letters, which I have sent to the Earl of St. Vincent. Give me
leave to say that, throughout my command in the Levant seas, you
have done yourself the highest honour; and rendered, as far as was
possible, the greatest services to your country. This public
testimony, from a stranger to every thing except your good conduct,
will, I trust, be not unacceptable. I observe what you tell me of
Lord Grenville's orders to obey Sir William Sidney Smith. You
will, of course, follow Lord Grenville's orders, as Sir William
Sidney Smith is considered as a minister at Constantinople. I,
also, know him in that capacity, jointly with his worthy brother;
but, Captain of the Tigre, and in all matters relative to naval
operations, he is under my orders: and this I would have you
perfectly understand; and explain, when it may be necessary. For an
idea seems gone abroad, very injurious to my credit in the world;
that, although I was entrusted with the command of the detached
squadron, even into the Black Sea, should the French have got
there--that, although I had the happiness of commanding the
squadron who obtained the glorious victory off the Nile--Captain
Sir William Sidney Smith was sent out to command somewhere, in
prejudice to me, and four or five captains now serving with me, in
the Levant. Having stated this fully to you, you will be equal to
every explanation. Whenever you favour me with your very
interesting correspondence, I shall receive it with pleasure. As
Sir William Hamilton writes you, I shall not repeat, &c. &c.

"Nelson."

Speridion Foresti, Esq.

Every exertion was at this time making, by Lord Nelson, and Captain Troubridge, in concert with their Sicilian Majesties, for the recovery of Naples from the domination of the French. Cardinal Ruffo, who united, in himself, the three important characters of statesman, prelate, and general, had raised a large army of loyalists in the provinces, by the powerful operation of the Catholic cause, and headed in person what was denominated the Christian Army. The French, with their usual insatiable thirst of plunder, officers as well as men, had attended to little else than their own individual gratifications, since they entered Naples; and this did not fail to produce it's customary concomitant, a speedy spirit of insubordination. The fiery population of Naples, in the mean time, like the volcano in it's vicinity, though at present apparently tranquil, might be expected suddenly to burst forth, and overwhelm every obstacle to the progress of it's destructive torrent. In this state of things, it was judiciously resolved that Captain Troubridge should proceed to the Bay of Naples; for which purpose, Lord Nelson--who had, by the general promotion of admirals, on the 14th of February, been made Rear-Admiral of the Red---furnished that brave officer with the following instructions.

By Horatio Lord Nelson,
K.B. Rear-Admiral of the Red, &c.

"Whereas it is of the utmost importance, that the city and towns in
the Bay of Naples should be immediately blockaded, to prevent the
French forces in those places from getting any supplies of corn or
other articles by sea; and it being expedient that an officer of
your distinguished merit and abilities should command the blockade,
in order to render it the more effectual--

"You are hereby required and directed to take under your command,
the ships named in the margin--[Minotaur, Zealous, Swiftsure,
Seahorse, Perseus bomb, and El Corso sloop]--embarking on board
them the Governor of Procida, and two hundred troops, as also such
officers as are ordered by his Sicilian Majesty to embark with
them, and proceed to the Bay of Naples. And it being necessary that
the squadron employed on this service should have some safe
anchorage, the more effectually to carry on the said blockade, and
the Island of Procida affording the anchorage desired, you will do
your endeavours to seize and get possession of the said Island of
Procida, if possible, and reinstate the governor in the command
thereof, and using every means in your power to conciliate the
affections of the loyal part of the inhabitants; and, also, of
those of the islands of Ischia and Capri; and, if possible, bring
them to their former allegiance: and, also, to communicate with the
loyal inhabitants of Naples, as much as in your power, and by every
opportunity; but, by no means, to fire upon the city, without
farther orders from me, or circumstances render it necessary to
fire on some parts of it, in case of the loyal taking arms against
the French. And you will use every effort to prevent all supplies
of corn, or other articles, from entering the city and ports in
the Bay of Naples; and also of Gaietta and it's vicinity, and
along the Roman coast to Civita Vecchia: and, as it is said, the
Ponzo Islands continue in their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty,
you will direct that all protection and assistance may be given to
them, should they stand in need. And you will consider that every
means is to be used, not only by yourself, but by all those under
your command, to communicate with the inhabitants on all the
northern coast of the kingdom of Naples, and the islands before
mentioned; and, as much as in your power, to cultivate a good
understanding with them, and conciliate their affections, in order
to induce them to return to their allegiance to his Sicilian
Majesty, and to take arms to liberate their country from French
tyranny and oppressive contributions.

Palermo, 28th March 1799.

To Captain Troubridge,
his Majesty's ship Culloden.

Captain Troubridge, who was also armed with additional powers by his Sicilian Majesty, sailed on the 31st of March to the Bay of Naples, for the purpose of carrying into effect these important orders. It is a singular fact that, even at this very period, when Lord Nelson was thus engaged in securing Sicily from the French, as well as labouring to obtain the restoration of Naples, attempts were making, by the Governor of Messina, then actually protected by British troops, to prevent the condemnation of a French prize which had been taken near the entrance of that port, as if it were still in a state of neutrality. It is difficult to decide, whether this strange conduct originated in a pusillanimous dread of French resentment, or a traitorous disaffection to his Sicilian Majesty. Lord Nelson, however, soon satisfied the prize agents, Messrs. Birch and Broadbent, at Messina, that such shameful conduct would not be submitted to by a British admiral. He wrote, accordingly, the following spirited letter to those gentlemen, which immediately produced it's desired effect.

"Palermo, 2d April 1799.

"GENTLEMEN,

I have received your letter of the 26th of March, and am
exceedingly surprised that the Governor of Messina should presume
to interfere in the captures made by a British ship of war. Captain
Foley is justifiable in taking the French tartan, although she was
going into the port, or even in the port. You will, therefore,
claim from him the materials of which the vessel has been
plundered; and, at the same time, demand from him what he has done
with the French prisoners of war taken in the vessel, as it is
highly presumptuous in him to interfere with British prisoners of
war. As to demands made against the vessel, it is my desire that
they are not paid, nor has he any right to make them; on the
contrary, the captors have a right to demand, from him,
satisfaction, for the employment of the vessel on the coast of
Calabria. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

Nelson.

The Vanguard this day arrived from Tripoli; and Captain Hardy brought, with other pacific promises, from the bashaw, the most positive assurances that no provisions should be sent to Malta by any of his subjects: but, his lordship observed, interest is, we know, their main spring, and they are not to be greatly depended on. The bashaw of Tripoli had, in fact, made a treaty with Bonaparte on the 24th of February, when he received a present of a diamond; the pernicious effects of which, to Great Britain and her allies, his lordship was thus determined totally to counteract.

On the 5th of April, in a letter to his Excellency Sir Charles Whitworth, the British minister at Petersburgh, Lord Nelson thus writes respecting Malta--We certainly have, at an expence of fifteen thousand pounds a month, so closely blockaded the port of La Valette, that the appearance of the Russian troops on the island must insure it's fall in a week, if famine does not force it's surrender before their arrival. The garrison are mutinous, and in dreadful want of provisions. The scurvy cannot be checked. His lordship then observes, that his anxiety to get possession of Le Guillaume Tell, and two frigates, which escaped after the battle of the Nile, will not be doubted; and that these ships, but for our close blockade, would probably have long ago been in France: all which, he begs, may be submitted to his Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Russia. He has, he adds, given directions to Captain Ball to co-operate in the most cordial manner with the Russian troops; who so ably conducted himself, not only as a sea-officer, but as conciliating the affections of the Maltese, that he was, unanimously, by the islanders, and with the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty, elected their general and chief. His lordship trusts that, should the order be restored, Captain Ball would be a knight of it; "for a more gallant, able officer, does not grace this world. I feel," continues he, "I have said a great deal; but, with my honour, I pledge myself for the truth of it." Then, with the most consummate address, Lord Nelson proceeds to remark--"His imperial majesty will know, that the poor islanders have often, in their distress, and as a mark of their gratitude, offered--as far as they could--themselves for subjects of our king, and made their request to his Sicilian Majesty; but both Sir William Hamilton and myself, knowing that no views of individual aggrandizement actuate the breast of our gracious sovereign, have invariably refused every offer of that nature: but, in the present situation of his Sicilian Majesty, and by his desire, his colours and the British flag fly together, to mark that Great Britain protects the flag of his Sicilian Majesty. It is proper in this place to mention, as the heart of the emperor overflows with justice, that in many instances the islanders have been grievously oppressed by the order; probably, more by their consummate pride, than by a wish to oppress. I know, it is only necessary to mention this matter, for the consideration of the present illustrious Grand Master, to have it remedied; by which, a brave and industrious people will be rendered happy." His lordship concludes this exquisite proof of diplomatic dexterity, with observing, that he impatiently waits the arrival of the Russian troops; by nine or ten thousand of whom Naples would be recovered in a week, and his imperial majesty have the glory of replacing a good monarch and an amiable queen, again on their throne.

Captain Troubridge, in the mean time, was executing, with all possible activity and success, the very important duties which he had been sent to perform. The islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri, immediately surrendered; and the inhabitants in general, who had been greatly oppressed by the usurpers, manifested such a spirit of loyalty, that they gladly delivered up all the municipal officers for the disposal of their lawful sovereign, and the principals were received, as prisoners, on board the British squadron. The information of these auspicious commencements diffused universal joy at Palermo; and greatly revived the drooping spirits of their Sicilian Majesties, who readily sent the distressed islanders all the relief which it was in their power to bestow, both in provisions and money. The consideration of those distresses, however, while they excited the compassion of their majesties for the oppressed, necessarily called forth their indignation against the oppressors: and, with the relief sent under convoy of La Minerve, for the most distressed of the former; a judge was sent out by his Sicilian Majesty, on board that vessel, charged with a special commission for the trial and execution of the most criminal among the latter.

In writing, on the 12th of April, to the Earl of St. Vincent, respecting these events, his lordship says--"Captain Troubridge is in complete possession of Procida, Ischia, and Capri; the inhabitants of which islands have joyfully hoisted his Sicilian Majesty's colours, cut down the Tree of Liberty, and delivered up all the municipality and the detested Jacobins; all of whom are confined on board ship, and in the chateau of Ischia. The French in Naples are not more than two thousand, the civic guards about twenty thousand; but, as these last will not remain fighting for the French if there is any risk, I am warranted in saying that ten thousand troops would place the king again on his throne." The health of his lordship appears to have been, at this period, very indifferent. Indeed, the air of Sicily seems by no means to have ever agreed with him. He says, in this letter, speaking of Sir William and Lady Hamilton--"We, of this house, are all anxious to get home; yet, in the present moment, cannot move. Indeed, we have been the main-spring, joined with you, that have kept, and are keeping, this so much out of repair machine from breaking to pieces." The difficulties, indeed, of supporting a government every way so feeble in what constitutes the true strength of a state, perplexed our hero in no small degree. He saw, every where, that inactivity and indecision which so little accorded with his own prompt and active mind; and he languished for the busy scenes of action, from which he was detained by the alarms of their Sicilian Majesties, and the constant claims on the wisdom of his councils, which they could not always find the means, or even the firmness, completely to carry into execution.

Captain Ball had transmitted a painful picture of the wretched state of the inhabitants of Malta, but their Sicilian Majesties were incapable of affording them relief; Captain Troubridge had been obliged to part with all his flour, to preserve the recovered islands from starving. "I have," says his lordship, in another letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, dated the 17th of April, "eternally been pressing for supplies; and represented that a hundred thousand pounds, given away in provisions, just now, might purchase a kingdom. In short, my dear lord, my desire to serve, as is my duty, faithfully their Sicilian Majesties, has been such, that I am almost blind, and worn out; and cannot, in my present state, hold out much longer. I would, indeed, lay down my life for such good and gracious monarchs; but I am useless, when I am unable to do what, God knows, my heart leads me to."